Dining accessory presentation system

ABSTRACT

An illustrative embodiment of a device for presenting dining accessories includes a flexible, foldable pocket having a front panel and a taller back panel. The upper edge of the front panel defines an opening for the pocket. The pocket can lay flat on a surface and may be configured and sized to receive flatware so that the operable ends of the flatware are inserted into and enclosed by the pocket and the handles project from the pocket and onto the taller back panel. The front of the pocket may include a coupling device for releasably attaching a decorative accessory to the pocket. The decorative accessories may be, for example, a ribbon or other member having an aesthetic or informational element. A system for presenting dining accessories includes a pocket having a coupling device and a plurality of interchangeable decorative members that are releasably attachable to the coupling device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/740,309, filed Nov. 29, 2005, and titled DINING ACCESSORY PRESENTATION SYSTEM, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to food service equipment, and particularly, to systems for holding and displaying dining accessories, including serving and eating utensils such as knives, forks, spoons, and accessories, such as napkins.

In the food service industry, it is common practice for diners to serve themselves at places such as cafeterias, buffets, or at food tables at receptions and the like. Commonly, flatware and accessories at such events or locations are either laid out on a flat surface where they are exposed, or else placed in a basket. These approaches for making flatware and accessories available to diners have several shortcomings. The open display of such flatware and accessories on a flat surface or even in a basket is often unsightly because the flatware and accessories usually have an appearance inconsistent with the décor of the surrounding area. In addition, flatware that is openly exposed is unsanitary, as germs from one diner can be spread to multiple utensils when the diner picks up a single utensil for use.

When baskets are used, again, the baskets are often inconsistent with the buffet décor as it is difficult to match baskets to the theme or color pattern of the event and surroundings where the food is served. In addition, baskets tend to be bulky and are difficult to transport before and after a dining event and difficult to keep stocked with flatware and accessories. In addition, many baskets in use today are simply made from stainless steel and can be unsightly and require time-consuming cleaning and polishing.

SUMMARY

The present invention may comprise one or more of the following features or combinations thereof. An illustrative embodiment of a device for presenting dining accessories includes a flexible, foldable pocket having a front panel and a taller back panel. The upper edge of the front panel defines an opening for the pocket. The pocket can lay flat on a surface and may be configured and sized to receive flatware so that the operable ends of the flatware are inserted into and enclosed by the pocket and the handles project from the pocket and onto the taller back panel. The front of the pocket may include a coupling device for releasably attaching a decorative accessory to the pocket.

An illustrative embodiment of a device for presenting dining accessories, includes a back panel having an upper and lower edge; a front panel having an upper and lower edge; a pocket defined by the front panel overlying the back panel, at least a substantial portion of the remaining perimeter of the front panel being attached to the back panel; an opening of the pocket defined by at least a substantial portion of the upper edge of the front panel being separable from the back panel; and at least a first coupling device attached to at least one of a top face of the back panel and a top face of the front panel.

The at least a first coupling device may be adapted for releasably coupling at least a first decorative member. The at least a first coupling device may be located adjacent the upper edge of the front panel. The back panel defines upper, middle, and lower thirds between the upper edge and the lower edge of the back panel; and the upper edge of the front panel may overlay the middle third of the back panel. The back panel includes at least a first and second layer, and the device further includes a stiffener between the first and second layers, the stiffener substantially spanning the back panel. The back panel may be substantially rectangular and includes left and right edges. The front panel may be substantially rectangular and includes left and right edges; and the lower, left, and right edges at the front panel are attached to the lower, left, and right edges of the back panel, respectively.

The front panel may be sized to enclose the operable ends of flatware and to expose at least a substantial portion of the handle ends of the flatware. The back panel may be between approximately 6 inches and 10 inches tall and the front panel may be between approximately 3½ inches and 5½ inches tall. The front panel may be between approximately 2 inches and 14 inches wide. The device further including a decorative member releasably attachable to the at least a first coupling member. The decorative member includes at least one of an aesthetic and an informational element. The back panel and the front panel include a poly-blend fabric.

An illustrative embodiment of a system for presenting dining accessories, includes a pocket having a back panel and a front panel, the front panel having at least one dimension substantially smaller than the back panel; at least a first coupling device attached to the pocket; and a plurality of interchangeable decorative member's releasably attachable to the at least a first coupling device. The plurality of interchangeable decorative members each include at least one of an aesthetic and informational element.

An illustrative pocket for displaying flatware, includes a back panel having upper, lower, left, and right edges; and a front panel having upper, lower, left, and right edges, and the distance between the upper and lower edges of the front panel may be substantially less than the distance between the upper and lower edges of the back panel; the lower, left, and right edges of the front panel are substantially co-located with and attached to the lower, left, and right edges of the back panel; and the upper edge of the front panel defines an opening between the front panel and the back panel. The front panel may be sized to enclose the operable ends of flatware and to expose at least a substantial portion of the handle hands of the flatware. The back panel may be between approximately 6 inches to 10 inches tall; the front panel may be between approximately 3½ inches and 5½ inches tall; and the front panel may be between approximately 2 inches and 14 inches wide. The pocket further including a decorative member releasably attachable to at least one of the front panel and the back panel. The pocket further including a decorative element associated with at least one of the front panel and the back panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the pocket having a decorative accessory attached and with flatware inserted into the pocket;

FIG. 2A illustrates a narrow embodiment of the pocket according to the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates a wide embodiment of the pocket according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates the pocket of FIG. 1 folded upon itself to compactly store and transport the flatware;

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a system for presenting dining accessories according to the present invention, including the pocket of FIG. 1 with the decorative accessory removed and additional interchangeable decorative accessories; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a pocket having an opening for receiving a stiffener.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting and understanding the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to one or more illustrative embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that the one or more illustrative embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claims, but rather to disclose one or more illustrative embodiments among a broader range of possible embodiments that are within the scope of the claims.

An illustrative embodiment of a device for presenting dining accessories includes a flexible, foldable pocket having a front panel and a taller back panel. The upper edge of the front panel defines an opening for the pocket. The pocket can lay flat on a surface and may be configured and sized to receive flatware so that the operable ends of the flatware are inserted into and enclosed by the pocket and the handles project from the pocket and onto the taller back panel. The front of the pocket may include a coupling device for releasably attaching a decorative accessory to the pocket. The decorative accessories may be, for example, a ribbon or other member having an aesthetic or informational element. A system for presenting dining accessories includes a pocket having a coupling device and a plurality of interchangeable decorative members that are releasably attachable to the coupling device.

A collection of flatware or other dining accessories may be inserted into the pocket to maintain the clean and sanitary nature of their operating ends, while also allowing diners to easily select items such as flatware by pulling the handle of a particular knife, fork, or spoon out of the pocket. Dining accessories as used herein includes utensils and other accessories. For example, utensils may include flatware, such as forks, knives, and spoons, and other food or beverage consumption, preparation, and serving tools. Other accessories may include napkins, coasters, menus, and the like associated with food service and dining.

An illustrative embodiment of the system for presenting dining accessories may be used multiple times on different occasions and locations having different themes, colors, or other decorations, or for different types of events. The pockets and decorative accessories may be interchangeable and selected to match the décor, theme, or some other aspect of an event.

The illustrative system allows a host or caterer to easily insert the dining accessories into the pocket in advance of an event, and, if desired, roll up or fold the pocket with the dining accessories in it and transport it to the event. These steps may be reversed at the end of an event in the course of breaking down food service equipment, for example a buffet, and décor.

Referring to FIG. 1, an illustrative embodiment of a pocket 10 for presenting dining accessories includes a front panel 12, a back panel 14, and may also include an aesthetic or informational element, for example decorative member 16. An upper edge 18 of the front panel 12 defines an opening of pocket space defined between panels 12 and 14. The pocket 10 is sized and configured for receiving dining accessories, for example a collection of flatware 20 shown in FIG. 1. For example, the front panel 12 can be sized to enclose and contain the operable ends and to expose the handle ends of the flatware 20, and the back panel 14 can be sized to support the entire length of the flatware 20.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, illustrative embodiments of the devices for presenting dining accessories include a variety of sizes and configurations, for example depending on the particular dining accessory and the quantity to be presented. For example, FIG. 2A illustrates a pocket 30 having a front panel 32 with a height 42 of approximately 4½ inches and a width 44 of approximately 8 inches, and a back panel 34 with a height 46 of approximately 8 inches and a width matching that of the front panel 32. By way of further example, FIG. 2B illustrates a pocket 50 having a front panel 52 and a back panel 54 with a width 56 of approximately 14 inches.

The front panels 12, 32, and 52 may be, for example but not limited to, between approximately 2 inches and 14 inches wide and between approximately 6 inches and 10 inches tall. The back panels 14, 34, and 54 may be, for example but not limited to, between approximately 2 inches and 14 inches wide and between approximately 3½ inches and 5½ inches tall. The size of the pocket 30 may be used to present approximately 50 and the pocket 50 approximately 100 individual items, such as flatware. The actual number of items depends in part on whether flatware is stacked in a nested manner from left to right in the pockets 50 and 100, or placed side-by-side, and also depends on the size of the flatware.

While still referring to the illustrative embodiment of the pocket 50 shown in FIG. 2B, aspects of the pocket 50 described herein are equally applicable to the pockets 10 and 30, and vice versa. The front panel 52 includes an upper edge 58, a lower edge 60, a left or side edge 62, and a right or side edge 64. Similarly, the back panel 54 includes an upper edge 66, a lower edge 68, a left edge 70, and a right edge 72. In the illustrative embodiment, the lower edge 60, the left edge 62, and the right edge 64 of the front panel 52 are each co-located with and attached to the lower edge 68, the left edge 70, and the right edge 72 of the back panel 54, respectively. The remaining upper edge 58 of the front panel 52 is not attached, or has at least a substantial portion not attached, to the back panel 54 so that upper edge 58 forms an opening for the otherwise enclosed area defined between the front panel 52 and the rear panel 54. The various edges 60-72 may be attached, for example, by stitching 76 using a durable thread or filament, or by gluing or using other means of attachment known in the art.

In the illustrative embodiment of the pocket 50, the vertical span of the back panel 54 defines an upper third 80, a middle third 82, and a lower third 84, and the upper edge 58 of the front panel 52 is positioned to overlay the middle third 82 of the back panel 54; however, in other embodiments the upper edge 58 may be a position to overlay the upper third 80 or the lower third 84.

Other embodiments of a device for presenting dining accessories may include a front panel that is sized and positioned so that one or more edges 60-64 of the front panel 52 overlay in interior portion of the back panel 54 rather than being co-located with edges 68-72. Other embodiments may also include one or more edges 60-64 of the front panel 52 left substantially unattached from the back panel 54, or sizes or ratios of sizes other than those disclosed herein. Embodiments may further include the pocket 50 being shaped other than rectangular, having other than four edges 66-72, or having edges 58-72 that are curvilinear or some other non-straight form. The pocket 50 may also be size and configured to display flatware for a single place setting and/or a single menu and/or napkin.

Each panel 52 and 54 may be constructed from, but is not limited to, a material that is washable, wrinkle-free, not susceptible to substantial shrinkage, and easily sewed. An example of such a material is a poly-cotton blend fabric; however, other flexible and nonflexible, fabric and non-fabric materials may be utilized. Each panel 52 and 54 may be a single matching or non-matching color or pattern. Each panel 52 and 54 may also include more than one layer of the material. For example, the back panel 54 may be formed by using two or three individual layers, or one piece of material also for one or more times. The front panel 52 may be similarly formed, or may be a continuation of the material used in forming the back panel 54, thus also making some of the stitching 76 optional. In the case of a pocket 50 having the front panel 52 and/or the back panel 54 formed from more than one layer, some or all of the edges 60-72 located outside of the perimeter of stitching 76 may be hidden by sewing the front and back panels 52 in 54 together while inside out and then turning the pocket 50 right side out, as is known in the art.

Referring to FIG. 5, the pocket 50 may also include a stiffener 88, for example a piece of cardboard, plastic, or other rigid or semi rigid material that is cut approximately to but slightly less than the size of the back panel 54. The stiffener 88 provides shape to the pocket 50, for example, maintaining a flat or other shape. In order to accommodate the stiffener 88, the back panel 54 may include a back layer 90, a front layer 92, and an opening 94 defined between the layers 90 and 92 along the lower edge 68. The opening 94 may remain open for easy insertion and removal of the stiffener 84 or may be partially or entirely enclosed by sewing or an alternative attachment means.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the pocket 10 is shown in a folded configuration for storage and/or transport. For example, a host or caterer can insert the dining accessories into the pocket 10 in advance of an event, and, roll up or fold the pocket 10 with the dining accessories in it and conveniently transport it to the event. The stiffener 88 may be removed in order to roll or fold the pocket 10.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an illustrative embodiment of a system 100 for presenting dining accessories includes a pocket 10 having coupling devices 24 and a plurality of interchangeable decorative members 102. The pocket 10 may include one coupling device 24 that is sized and positioned to releasably attach one or more of the plurality of interchangeable decorative members 102, or may include a number of individual coupling devices 24, as illustrated in FIG. 4, that correspond to a mating coupling device 26 associated with the decorative members 102. For example, the coupling devices 24 may be the hook or loop side a hook and loop fastening system. The coupling devices 24 may then be used to attach decorative member 110 using the corresponding mating hook or loop side of coupling device(s) 26 located on the reverse side 112 of decorative member 110. Other releasable attachment means known in the arts may be utilized, for example but not limited to, snaps, buttons, magnets, and pins. Alternatively, one or more decorative members 102 may be non-releasably associated with the pocket 10, for example by securely attaching, embroidering, screen printing, or other means known in the art, or, the pocket 10 may lack a separate aesthetic or informational element associated with it.

While the illustrative system 100 of FIG. 4 shows the coupling devices 24 located so that one of the decorative members 102 may be attached adjacent the upper edge 18 of the pocket 10, one or more other locations of the pocket 10 may also be utilized. For example, the decorative member 102 and any associated coupling devices 24 may be located elsewhere on the front panel 12 or on the back panel 14.

The pocket 10 and the decorative members 102 are interchangeable and the decorative members 102 are replaceable. The pocket 10 may be used at differently themed or decorated events, and the decorative members 102 may be selected to match the particular theme or color scheme for an event. For example, the individual decorative members 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, and 110 each illustrate a different color and pattern that may be selected and attached to the pocket 10 depending on the event. For example, the decorative members 102 may consist of ribbons having colors, wording, or other aesthetic, graphic, or informational content to reflect colors or themes such as St. Patrick's Day, Christmas, Easter, 4^(th) of July, a birthday party, anniversary party, wedding, or a party theme such as golf or other sports, a corporate identity, or the like. The decorative members 102 may also be instructive of the specific dining accessories contained within the pocket 10. Decorative members 102 may also have associated aesthetic features, for example ornaments 109 associated with the member 104. The ornaments 109 may be, for example, jewelry, beads, and the like. Similar to the selection among a plurality of decorative members 102, the system 100 may also include a plurality of pockets 10 having various colors, patterns, or other aesthetic, graphic, or informational aspect associated with each.

Those who are skilled in the art will appreciate that the present pockets 10, 30, and 50 and system 100 and associated decorative members 16 and 102 may be compact, elegant, modern, convenient, durable, easily cleaned, sanitary and may have a large capacity for presenting dining accessories such as flatware and other accessories.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been show and described and that all changes and modifications that are within the scope of the following claims are desired to be protected. For example, while the disclosure has included certain features and techniques in the above described devices and systems, other features, techniques or combinations known in the art other than those discussed in the disclosure can and may be substituted. 

1. A device for presenting dining accessories, comprising: a back panel having an upper and lower edge; a front panel having an upper and lower edge; a pocket defined by the front panel overlying the back panel, at least a substantial portion of the remaining perimeter of the front panel being attached to the back panel; an opening of the pocket defined by at least a substantial portion of the upper edge of the front panel being separable from the back panel; and at least a first coupling device attached to at least one of a top face of the back panel and a top face of the front panel.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least a first coupling device is adapted for releasably coupling at least a first decorative member.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least a first coupling device is located adjacent the upper edge of the front panel.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein: the back panel defines upper, middle, and lower thirds between the upper edge and the lower edge of the back panel; and the upper edge of the front panel overlays the middle third of the back panel.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the back panel includes at least a first and second layer, and further comprising a stiffener between the first and second layers, the stiffener substantially spanning the back panel.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the back panel is substantially rectangular and includes left and right edges.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein: the front panel is substantially rectangular and includes left and right edges; and the lower, left, and right edges at the front panel are attached to the lower, left, and right edges of the back panel, respectively.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the front panel is sized to enclose the operable ends of flatware and to expose at least a substantial portion of the handle ends of the flatware.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the back panel is between approximately 6 inches and 10 inches tall and the front panel is between approximately 3½ inches and 5½ inches tall.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the front panel is between approximately 2 inches and 14 inches wide.
 11. The device of claim 1, further comprising a decorative member releasably attachable to the at least a first coupling member.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the decorative member includes at least one of an aesthetic and an informational element.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the back panel and the front panel include a poly-blend fabric.
 14. A system for presenting dining accessories, comprising: a pocket having a back panel and a front panel, the front panel having at least one dimension substantially smaller than the back panel; at least a first coupling device attached to the pocket; and a plurality of interchangeable decorative member's releasably attachable to the at least a first coupling device.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of interchangeable decorative members each include at least one of an aesthetic and informational element.
 16. A pocket for displaying flatware, comprising: a back panel having upper, lower, left, and right edges; and a front panel having upper, lower, left, and right edges, and wherein: the distance between the upper and lower edges of the front panel is substantially less than the distance between the upper and lower edges of the back panel; the lower, left, and right edges of the front panel are substantially co-located with and attached to the lower, left, and right edges of the back panel; and the upper edge of the front panel defines an opening between the front panel and the back panel.
 17. The pocket of claim 16, wherein the front panel is sized to enclose the operable ends of flatware and to expose at least a substantial portion of the handle hands of the flatware.
 18. The pocket of claim 16, wherein: the back panel is between approximately 6 inches to 10 inches tall; the front panel is between approximately 3½ inches and 5½ inches tall; and the front panel is between approximately 2 inches and 14 inches wide.
 19. The pocket of claim 16, further comprising a decorative member releasably attachable to at least one of the front panel and the back panel.
 20. The pocket of claim 16, further comprising a decorative element associated with at least one of the front panel and the back panel. 